From Our Blog

A Welcome Center for Mason County

Guest article by Rachel Hansen of Northwest Event Organizers The Mason County Board of Commissioners recently approved funding for further development of plans to create a tourism Welcome Center on Hwy 101 near Taylor Town.  The project had originally been proposed after the County’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee examined long term strategies to meet changing needs of visitors and tourism providers. At that time, the county contracted with a local Shelton corporation, Northwest Event Organizers to examine the feasibility of Read more

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Lack of Childcare: #1 Culprit to Job Shortage?

Parents and employers remain greatly challenged by childcare accessibility and affordability across our region. Even before the Covid crisis, Grays Harbor, Mason, and Thurston counties had already reported a shortage of childcare options. The Chamber chaired a Child Care Task Force in early 2021 to assess childcare challenges, how those affect parents, employers, and childcare providers, and develop locally-driven strategies to respond. The findings share some of what had been anticipated: parents are lacking choices and ultimately employers feel the Read more

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Employers: Long-Term Care Payroll

Are you considered an employee of your company? When the quickly approaching Long-Term Care Payroll Tax was covered in our Chamber webinar on July 15, 2021, it was our understanding self-employed individuals would not be subject to the tax. That is no longer (necessarily) the case. If you are an employee of the company you own, you are not considered self-employed. This means that if you receive a W-2 from your company, you will be automatically registered for the Long Term Read more

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What Now? Another Payroll Tax?!

Income earners in Washington will soon be taxed for a one-size-fits-all, long-term care insurance plan. Most people are unaware of this impending payroll tax and what – if anything – can be done to avoid it. One thing is for certain, if you do nothing, you will have no recourse and will begin paying out every paycheck without the ability to later opt out. You have only until October 31 to plan ahead. The Chamber convenes a conversation on this Read more

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Create YouTube Videos That Attract New Customers

On June 24, the Chamber hosted a livestream of Grow with Google’s Digital Partner Series workshop, “Create YouTube Videos That Attract New Customers.” YouTube Marketing Manager Maxwell invited video experts from around the world to showcase different styles: selfe style, simple backdrop, voice over, point & shoot, top-down, product in action, told with text, built from stills, and animation. Experts also shared best practices, great tips, and free tools to get you started. To wrap things up, Google Instructor Anna Read more

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What the Mask Mandates Look Like for Businesses Now

In early May, the CDC face covering guidance was updated to say that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, except in certain locations (health care settings, jails, homeless shelters, schools, and public transportation). Although 33 states have eliminated it, in Washington, there is no end date for the mask mandate. Governor Inslee’s May 21 mask mandate update makes an exception for anyone who is vaccinated. As of May 28, approximately 52% of Read more

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Workforce Shortage Surveys

Our nation has far too many people without jobs – and far too many jobs without people to fill them. The pandemic exacerbated America’s workforce problem, and it’s only getting worse. Please help us better understand the issues by participating in one of these quick surveys. Please note: these surveys are anonymous. If you would like to share your experience or perspective with us personally, please contact us at (360) 426-2021 or info@masonchamber.com.

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2021 Expo & Bite of Mason County Vendor Guidelines

The Chamber reserves the right to change, in part or in whole, the event details (including location, times, guidelines, etc. without notice or consideration. General Vendors must staff their booth for the entirety of the event; it may not be left unattended. Chamber staff may be notified for a restroom break or in case of an emergency. Single booth spaces are approximately 10 feet wide by 10 feet deep. Double booth spaces are approximately 20 feet wide by 10 feet Read more

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